Rutherford Medal

The Rutherford Medal is our highest award to recognise eminent research or technological practice by a person in any field of science, mathematics, social science, or technology.

Award details

Award offered: yearly

Prize: medal and prize money of $100,000 NZD

The Rutherford Medal is the highest award instituted by the Royal Society Te Apārangi at the request of the Government to recognise eminent research or technological practice by a person in any field of science, mathematics, social science, or technology.

“Science and Technology” is taken to cover the fields of knowledge broadly known by the term “scientific culture”. It includes the applied, biological, earth, engineering, information, mathematical, medical, physical, social, and technological sciences. It also includes activities in the promotion and encouragement of science and technology, in improving public awareness, knowledge and understanding of science and technology, in science and technology education and in the management of scientific and technological societies and institutions.

In addition, exceptional contributions to the advancement and promotion of public awareness, knowledge and understanding will be considered.

A group award shall only be made in very meritorious circumstances.

Current status

The 2018 round closed on 11 May 2018. The 2019 round will open in January 2019.

If you wish to make a new nomination can you please advise us as soon as possible (academy@royalsociety.org.nz) and we will send you a URL to access the web portal.

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